Mole Check And Removal

Mohs Surgery & Dermatology Center

Moles are extremely common; in fact, most adults have anywhere from 10 to 40 of them. Most of the time, moles are nothing to worry about, but when they are a matter of concern, the dermatologists at Mohs Surgery & Dermatology Center have the skill and experience needed to identify and remove potentially harmful moles. For a thorough skin examination and mole evaluation, book an appointment online or call one of the three offices in Elgin, Huntley, and Crystal Lake, Illinois.

Mole Check and Removal Q & A

What is a Mole?

A mole is a collection of pigment cells on the surface of the skin that create a dark-colored area. Moles begin developing during childhood and most are present by the time a young adult reaches the age of 20. Most adults have around 10-40 moles by the time they reach the age of 50.

Moles are usually just simple brown spots on your skin; however, they can vary in size, color, texture, and shape. They are typically benign and won’t affect your overall health. A few, however, can develop into melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer.

When Do I Need to Worry About My Moles?

The experts at Mohs Surgery & Dermatology Center recommend a yearly professional mole check. This allows them to track any changes and identify any moles that may pose a threat to your health.

They recommend you monitor your own moles using this ABCDE guide to remember the key characteristics of suspicious moles:

Asymmetry: note whether both sides of the mole look the same

Border: note if the edges are irregular, notched, or scalloped

Color: note unevenness, varied colors, or changes in overall color

Diameter: note any increase in size over a quarter-inch

Evolving: note any changes in size, color, shape, or thickness

If you note any concerning findings during your personal examination, contact your dermatologist for a mole check as soon as possible.

How are Problem Moles Treated?

After a thorough exam of your skin, your dermatologist carefully documents their findings. These notes help to track any changes over time. If your dermatologist is concerned that a mole may be cancerous, they remove the mole and send it to a lab for evaluation.

The dermatologist either shaves or cuts out the mole, depending on its depth. You may need a stitch to close the area and prevent bleeding and infection. Both methods are outpatient procedures and do not require sedation.

If your mole is found to be cancerous, your dermatology team will contact you immediately to discuss the next steps.

For a professional mole and skin evaluation, call Mohs Surgery & Dermatology Center or book your appointment online today.